I have kept a food diary for like 3 years now and trust me you will be shocked at what you put into your mouth in just a day. Less is actually more in terms of eating. When you combine all that you have been eating all day it amounts to a lot of food.I am an extreme snacker. I always have something to chew in my bag but all the bad snacking makes me heavier so I decided to turn the tables and snack wisely.
Here is what works for me:
1.Replace your sugary cereal with fruit
I started off by cutting completely my cereal intake.I replaced my cereal with fruits now i have fruit with milk for breakfast every day. I just dice them and add milk. This small change has actually made me eat fruit everyday without even noticing it.
2.Replace your store bought juice freshly squeezed juice
We are encouraged to take juice instead of sodas to keep healthy but sometimes these store bought juices have more sugar that is bad for us. Rather than loading up on these making your own juice is better. You can purchase a juicer or use a blender to create your own flavors and medleys with the fruits of your choice.
3.Snack wisely
I love crisps and if i could I would own a crisp shop, lol but crisps are bad, even if the label says 'lightly salted' or 'baked not fried' that sh*t is bad for you. I found a better replacement, sweet potato chips,rice cakes,pop corn and beetroot chips actually curb your crisp craving just as the potato crisps do and i also snack on biltong but do not overdo the biltong as some biltong manufactures add too much salt.
4.Eat something before you eat out at a restaurant
Every time I eat out I end up making unhealthy choices, the reason being the menu is enticing and that double cheese burger with a side of fries look so succulent you can't resist. So before you leave a fruit or a snack will reduce your hunger therefore you are more likely to order something healthier when you get there.
5.Drink water
This line is probably getting so old because the emphasis is to always drink water. One thing people do not realize is that half the time they think they are hungry they are just thirsty. Water has a lot of benefits we oversee. Even at the restaurant while waiting for your food, instead of loading up on soda, ask for a free glass of water with ice, its good for your body and your pocket.
6.Eat 6-8 times a day
There is a lot of conflicts on this one but eating small portions actually fools your stomach into thinking its eating enough. While some may prefer eating three huge meals a day, its not always good for you. Eating in small portions actually adjusts your tummy to feeling full with just a small serving. If you eat huge portions your tummy overstretches and adjust to the big portions. Even if you have been eating larger portions its not too late to start eating small portions,with time your tummy will adjust.
7.Drink green tea (hot/cold)
Green tea is a very refreshing drink and the best part is you can have it hot or cold. Instead of buying sodas or manufactured ice tea there are so many recipes to make your own ice tea, its also good for both your body and your pocket.
8.Eat wiser after 7 PM
Going to bed full is one of the reasons why we struggle with our weight. So I try eating my supper before 7 PM at least if I have to eat something after 7 PM I try making a more healthier choice like having a bowl of soup, a fruit or a glass of water. I also chew on minty gum when i feel hungry after 7 PM and the mint ruins my craving as it has an aftertaste in my mouth.
9.Only buy what you need
Most of the time I go to the grocery store I end up filling up the trolley with all the junk snacks on sale and try convince myself I need them when in actual fact am just buying them because they are on sale. I type a list of what I have to get before i go to the store that way Its harder to buy impulsively.
10.Don't punish yourself
Despite all these healthier options I sometimes break the rules a little so do not punish yourself for eating fat cakes and fries for breakfast instead move on like it never happened. In fact give yourself little treats once in a while, trust me your body will adjust and make these habits your daily routine.
Kindly note that I am not a dietitian or a nutritionist. I just shared with you what works for me. And doing all the above does not guarantee healthy eating or weight loss.I do this almost everyday and I have noticed the following changes: I eat less now, I have a lot of energy, I feel lighter and not bloated, My face is great (no more breakouts), I crave healthier snacks now.
I work hard at sharing these tips with you so please appreciate by following me or commenting with more tips I can try. Thanks for reading.
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Wow I will try snack wisely too.I am quite a snacker
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